The Way Out ... The Dangerous State of Black Maternal Health — Project Good Work
What is different about childbirth as a black woman?
The experience of black women is different than white women in America. For black women America is a hostile place due to ingrained racism. I have travelled to almost every region of the U.S. and have yet to find a black woman that sees herself as having a comparable experience to white women at her same educational and economic level.
If the average person in America thinks that most black men play basketball and like rap, then it is not an unlikely assumption that the average doctor thinks the same. The media has played into these stereotypes. In everyday life, most people in the U.S. tend not to have many friends outside their racial groups, leading to more misinformation.
In hospitals black women are left to stay in pain longer; and when black family members try to advocate for them, they are viewed as aggressive. It’s a dangerous mix when you have so many cards stacked against you like being a woman, black and maybe single.
Why is there such a lack of compassion for black women who want to have families?
In the black community, children have not traditionally been celebrated like non-black families as a happy milestone of life because of the history of childbirth tied to slavery, the history of trying to get out of poverty by not having dependents and the continuous judgements of non-blacks who see black women as video vixens and welfare queens instead of as doting mothers.
Would you say the likelihood of death in childbirth for black women is a regional issue in the United States?
The death in childbirth for black women is not a regional issue. Even in cities like New York where the culture of the city is one of constant “go”, there’s a wide acceptance of treating communities of color with disrespect as standard practice. In addition, big cities with large populations like New York add demands on doctors’ time and patience, creating an assembly-line process that increases the likelihood of the problem occurring.
What can health professionals do to help black women during childbirth or at the start of a pregnancy?
Health professionals need to ask black women about their stress levels, what they are eating and why, to listen, hear and speak to black women with respect.
The danger is not in childbirth; it is in the lack of attentiveness to identifying what is going on. Healthcare professionals need to pay attention during postpartum, educate the mother.
What is the role of the husband in helping black women to be successful through the birthing process?
Black women have been socialized in America to be “superwoman” and even when married, black women are expected to manage everything. Since the traditional structure is not in place for many black women for example, few can breastfeed and recover properly after birth.
Also due to economics many black women return to work shortly after giving birth, adding to the level of stress during and after pregnancy. Having a husband that is active in the child rearing process, whether that means taking care of the children regularly or watching them play outside on the weekends, is helpful.
How can black women alleviate their fears, how can they relax?
From my personal experience, learn to only work with and put your life in the hands of people who respect you and don’t be afraid to say something. A lot of times black women don’t feel they have options. Choose your provider and fire the ones that are disrespectful.
Know what’s available. Organizations like the Black Women Birthing Justice are working to inform black women about all the options for childbirth. The level of stress around childbirth can change when you feel empowered. During recent research, Black Women Birthing Justice found that women in the study who worked with a midwife were more likely to state that the care they received was based on trust, making them feel supported and empowered.
What are key things someone should look for when selecting a doula?
Pick a doula that fits with who you are. For example, if you want a doula who does massage or is into essential oils or organics, then search for that. Find a doula that complements your lifestyle, no matter what race or ethnicity.
About the Black Women Birthing Justice
Black Women Birthing Justice is a collective of African-American, African, Caribbean and multiracial women who are committed to transforming birthing experiences for Black women and transgenders. The vision of the organization is that every pregnant person should have an empowering birthing experience, free of unnecessary medical interventions. The goals are to educate, to document birth stories, and to raise awareness about birthing alternatives. The organization aims to challenge medical violence, rebuild confidence in black women’s ability to give birth and decrease disproportionate maternal and infant mortality.
About the Author
Annmarie Hylton-Schaub, Head Marketing Strategist and Content Developer at Project Good Work a boutique marketing group focused on helping individuals who want to launch social impact projects, charities, and change-making initiatives. The marketing group works to develop branding, marketing strategy, and content to connect clients with the people who believe what they believe so that their project and business can thrive.
If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem, or simply want to change minds contact Project Good Work at ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today.
